This Vegan Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables recipe is a quick and satisfying dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With a balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Firm tofu is the star, offering a delicious plant-based protein. It absorbs the marinade beautifully, giving it depth of flavor. Soy sauce provides a salty umami base, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance it out. Sesame oil brings a nutty aroma that complements the dish. Minced garlic and grated ginger add a punch of flavor that ties everything together. Cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior on the tofu when stir-fried. A mix of red bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot, and sugar snap peas add vibrant colors and textures. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds finish it off with a fresh and slightly nutty touch.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
Start by cutting the tofu into small cubes. Set these aside for now. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This will be your marinade. Add the tofu cubes into this mixture, ensuring they're all well-coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
While your tofu is marinating, sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss them gently to coat all sides evenly. This will give them a nice crispy texture when you cook them. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes. Stir-fry them until they turn golden and crisp, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add your prepared red bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still vibrant. Return the tofu to the pan, add the green onions, and give everything a good toss to combine. Finally, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds before serving.